The popular vote to choose the incumbents for the NBA All-Star 2023 is already running. A process that always gets people talking, debates are set up and arguments of all kinds are sought to support today’s candidacy. The biggest names always end up being all the headliners, that is, the stars, but in this event there is also room for figures who are not so close to the front line or who are well past their prime.
In fact, Scott Rafferty recently revealed who should be the starting pick for this All-Star over at Sporting News, and with these 10 names as a reference, it’s time to look at it from another angle.
By removing these players from the equation, What else would be worth starting on February 19 in Salt Lake City? After breaking down the West, it’s time to continue with the Eastern Conference.
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Kevin Durant
Leaving Kevin Durant off the first list wasn’t easy, but there were reasons. Only three players can be selected front court and with three figures of his caliber Giannis, Embiid and Tatum the Nets star ran out of space. However, the level KD was playing at could well be worth considering as a starting point.
At 34, the forward is proving to be the best goalscorer of his generation and is well on his way to achieving it. best score points after it was done with him MVP 8 years ago. Durant has shouldered a few Nets which in November looked mortally wounded and ended up flying when no one expected them.
Given the conditions and the trend, it would not be out of the question for him to enter as a starter and displace Giannis or Embiid.
Pascal Siakam
The Raptors may not be the constant threat they were last season, but if one thing is for sure, it’s every night. Pascal Siakam He will give his best version. The Cameroonian is the linchpin of the team led by Nick Nurse, the beacon guiding a side that is always uncomfortable and where the forward has become a reference.
They say the transition from averaging 20 to 26 points per game is one of the biggest in the NBA, which makes Siakam this season without his success extremely at stake.
The African throws at 52.9% from two, 33.7% from three and 77.4% from freenumbers practically identical to the last lesson where they were All-NBA. All while averaging assists (6.8) and rebounds (8.5) and 1 steal and 0.5 blocks.
Jimmy Butler
Numbers will never do enough justice to the performance of Jimmy Butler, a player defined by unwavering commitment who will do whatever it takes to get a win, even if it’s in the Regular Season.
Still, the best way to defend his candidacy as an alternate holder statistically is to emphasize that he is the unique player average more than 20 points, 5 rebounds, 5 assists and 2 steals.
If this trend continues, it would be second time that he does (2020-2021 was the first), joining legends like Michael Jordan, Larry Bird or Scottie Pippen as some who had multiple seasons like this.
James Harden
Although his best has long been behind him, James Harden is still one of the most prolific scorers and one of the reasons the 76ers are still on top is La Barba.
The point guard has gone from an elite scorer to an elite creator and facilitator. In fact, Harden is the player who more points generated through assists, produces 29.4 per night. And he also gets a relatively long distance from the second division (Tyrese Haliburton with 27.5).
If that wasn’t enough leads the league in average assists with 11.2which if he continues like this would lead him to match his career high, which he reached in 2017 with the Rockets.
Darius Garland
The other compelling reason for the Cavaliers’ success this season is named Darius Garland. Classic point guard, accurate and never stops progressing at breakneck speed.
The 22-year-old was able to take a step back from last season in terms of offensive usage with the arrival of Mitchell, which hasn’t affected his averages in the slightest. His numbers have remained largely the same compared to last season, while his impact has increased significantly.
it could be here too Bring Youth, But skyrocketing shooting percentages and relative inconsistency make Garland a burden.
The views expressed here do not necessarily represent those of the NBA or its organizations.
